Military Medicine

(NAPSI)—Veterans of the Korean War contributed not only to freedom, but to
better medical treatment in combat.

For the first time, helicopters were introduced to transport casualties to
field hospitals. Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) units quickly adapted to
the rugged Korean terrain and placed experienced medical personnel closer to the
front, improving a wounded soldier's chance for survival and lowering the
fatality rate for the seriously injured from 4.5 percent in World War II to 2.5
percent.

A surprising number of medical advances we benefit from today were established during the Korean War.

Military medical personnel also contributed to developing artificial kidneys
for patients suffering from potassium intoxication following emergency blood
transfusions. New vascular repair techniques during the Korean War allowed
doctors to save limbs that otherwise would have been amputated. They also
pioneered protective clothing for frostbite and lightweight body armor, leading
to bulletproof vests used by modern- day police officers.

Korean War Veterans are remembered for their tremendous sacrifices. Let us
not forget their critical medical contributions that also helped lead the way to
modern medical advancements.